JP5882535B2 - Non-burning flavor inhaler - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a non-burning type flavor inhaler including a heat source and a cylindrical member.

  Conventionally, a non-combustion type flavor inhaler having a heat source having a columnar shape and a cylindrical member having a cylindrical shape is known. For example, one end portion of the tubular member constitutes a suction port, and the other end portion of the tubular member constitutes a support portion that supports the heat source. The heat source includes a latent heat storage material that uses latent heat (also referred to as heat of fusion or crystallization) (for example, Patent Document 1).

  Here, sodium acetate trihydrate, sodium sulfate decahydrate, magnesium nitrate hexahydrate, or the like is used as the latent heat storage material described above.

  However, a latent heat storage material such as sodium acetate may generate an odor during heating to the melting point and the flavor may be impaired.

Special table 2011-525366

  The non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the first feature includes a heat source for supplying heat energy to the flavor source, and a holding member that detachably holds the heat source. The heat source includes a latent heat storage material containing a sugar alcohol having 4 or more carbon atoms.

  In the first feature, the heat source includes a mixture of the latent heat storage material and a holding material for holding the latent heat storage material.

  1st characteristic WHEREIN: Content of the said latent heat storage material is 300 mg or more and 600 mg or less.

  In the first feature, the holding material is vermiculite.

  1st characteristic WHEREIN: The weight percent of the said vermiculite with respect to the said latent heat storage material is 100% or more and 200% or less.

  The heating device according to the second feature heats a heat source configured to be detachable from a holding member included in the non-combustion flavor inhaler. The heating device includes a housing unit that houses the heat source, a heating unit that heats the heat source, and a lock mechanism that locks the heat source in the housing unit until the temperature of the heat source exceeds a predetermined temperature. The lock mechanism releases the locked state of the heat source when the temperature of the heat source exceeds the predetermined temperature. The heating unit stops heating the heat source when the temperature of the heat source exceeds a predetermined temperature.

  In the second feature, the lock mechanism includes a bimetal disposed so as to be in contact with the heat source. The bimetal deforms with the predetermined temperature as a boundary. The lock mechanism releases the locked state of the heat source by deformation of the bimetal that occurs when the temperature of the heat source exceeds the predetermined temperature.

  In the second feature, the lock mechanism includes a pressing member that presses a side wall of the heat source corresponding to the insertion of the heat source into the housing portion. The pressing member releases the state where the side wall of the heat source is pressed by the pressing member due to the deformation of the bimetal that occurs when the temperature of the heat source exceeds the predetermined temperature.

  2nd characteristic WHEREIN: The said accommodating part has a bottom face and the inner wall face standing from the said bottom face. In a state where the heat source is accommodated in the accommodating portion, an end portion of the heat source located on the side opposite to the bottom surface is separated from the inner wall surface.

  In the second feature, a slide mechanism is provided that slides the heat source along the inner wall surface when the locked state of the heat source is released.

  In the second feature, the slide mechanism includes a bimetal disposed so as to be in contact with the heat source. The bimetal deforms with the predetermined temperature as a boundary. The slide mechanism slides the heat source along the inner wall surface by deformation of the bimetal that occurs when the temperature of the heat source exceeds the predetermined temperature.

  In the second feature, the heating device includes a pair of electrodes for supplying electric power to the heating unit. The slide mechanism separates the pair of electrodes by deformation of the bimetal that occurs when the temperature of the heat source exceeds the predetermined temperature.

  2nd characteristic WHEREIN: The said heat source has a groove part by which the said pressing member is latched.

  The heating method which concerns on a 2nd characteristic is a method of heating the heat source comprised so that attachment or detachment to the holding member which a non-combustion type flavor inhaler has is possible with a heating apparatus. In the heating device, in the heating device, the step of locking the heat source in the housing portion of the heating device until the heat source exceeds a predetermined temperature, the step of heating the heat source in the heating device, and the heating device A step of unlocking the heat source when the heat source exceeds the predetermined temperature; and in the heating device, heating of the heat source by the heating device is stopped when the heat source exceeds the predetermined temperature. And providing a step.

FIG. 1 is a view showing a non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view showing the holding member 30 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the heat source 50 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the heat source 50 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the heating device 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the heating device 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view showing the accommodating portion 210 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the locking mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view for explaining the locking mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view for explaining the locking mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a view showing the holding member 30 according to the first modification. FIG. 12 is a view for explaining an air flow path according to the first modification. FIG. 13 is a view illustrating the holding member 30 according to the second modification. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing experimental results (Example 1). FIG. 15 is a diagram showing experimental results (Example 2). FIG. 16 is a diagram showing experimental results (Example 3). FIG. 17 is a diagram showing experimental results (Example 4).

  Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and ratios of dimensions and the like are different from actual ones.

  Accordingly, specific dimensions and the like should be determined in consideration of the following description. Moreover, it is a matter of course that portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios are included between the drawings.

[Outline of Embodiment]
The non-combustion flavor inhaler according to the embodiment includes a heat source and a holding member that detachably holds the heat source. The heat source includes a latent heat storage material containing a sugar alcohol having 4 or more carbon atoms.

  In the embodiment, the heat source provided separately from the holding member includes sugar alcohol having 4 or more carbon atoms as the latent heat storage material.

  Since sugar alcohols having 4 or more carbon atoms have a relatively high melting point compared to sodium acetate, they can have a relatively high latent heat. Therefore, heat can be supplied to the flavor source more effectively than ever. In addition, sugar alcohols with 4 or more carbon atoms have low volatility and do not generate odor when volatilized. Therefore, as compared with a latent heat storage material such as sodium acetate, since it hardly generates odor even when heated to about the melting point, the flavor is not impaired and the flavor can be improved.

  In the embodiment, since the latent heat storage material is a sugar alcohol having 4 or more carbon atoms, relatively high latent heat (also referred to as heat of fusion or heat of crystallization) is obtained. Accordingly, a relatively high temperature can be transferred from the heat source to the flavor source.

[First Embodiment]
(Non-combustion flavor inhaler)
Hereinafter, the non-burning type flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a view showing a non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view showing the holding member 30. 3 and 4 are diagrams showing the heat source 50. FIG. 3 is a view of the heat source 50 as viewed from the non-insertion end portion 50A side. FIG. 4 is a view of the heat source 50 viewed from the insertion end 50B side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 includes a holding member 30 and a heat source 50. In the first embodiment, it should be noted that the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 is a flavor inhaler that does not involve combustion.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the holding member 30 holds the heat source 50 in a detachable manner. The holding member 30 has a support end 30A and a suction end 30B. The support end 30 </ b> A is an end that holds the heat source 50. The inlet side end 30B is an end provided on the inlet side of the non-combustion flavor inhaler. In 1st Embodiment, the suction inlet side edge part 30B comprises the suction inlet of the non-combustion type flavor suction device 100. However, a suction port of the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 may be provided as a separate body from the holding member 30.

  The holding member 30 has a cylindrical shape having a cavity 31 extending along a direction from the support end 30A toward the inlet side end 30B. For example, the holding member 30 has a cylindrical shape or a rectangular tube shape. The holding member 30 has a flavor source 32 that volatilizes flavor components when heated by the heat source 50.

  As the flavor source 32, for example, powdered tobacco leaves used for cigarettes and snuff can be used. The flavor source 32 may fill the above-mentioned powdered tobacco leaves into a pouch having air permeability such as a nonwoven fabric. Moreover, the member which has air permeability, such as a nonwoven fabric, and a granular tobacco leaf may be laminated | stacked, and it shape | molded in the sheet form by heat welding, and what was shape | molded in the other desired shape may be sufficient. Further, as the flavor source 32, for example, a porous material such as activated carbon or a non-porous material carrier on which various flavor components such as menthol are supported may be used.

  In 1st Embodiment, although the case where the holding member 30 has a cylindrical shape is illustrated, embodiment is not limited to this. That is, the holding member 30 only needs to have a configuration for holding the heat source 50.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the heat source 50 has a non-insertion end portion 50A and an insertion end portion 50B. The non-insertion end portion 50 </ b> A is an end portion exposed from the holding member 30 in a state where the heat source 50 is inserted into the holding member 30. The insertion end portion 50 </ b> B is an end portion that is inserted into the holding member 30.

  The heat source 50 includes a latent heat storage material that generates heat by latent heat (also referred to as heat of fusion or heat of crystallization). By including the latent heat storage material, the latent heat storage material can accumulate heat from the heating source when the latent heat storage material is heated. Thereafter, the latent heat storage material can supply the accumulated heat energy to the flavor source, and the flavor source receiving the heat energy can efficiently release the fragrance. The heat source 50 includes sugar alcohol having 4 or more carbon atoms as a latent heat storage material. As described above, sugar alcohols can be suitably used as a heat source for flavor inhalers because they hardly generate odor even when heated to the melting point, compared with latent heat storage materials such as sodium acetate.

  Here, the latent heat storage material is erythritol, glycerol, D-mannitol, L-mannitol, DL-mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, threitol, D-arabinitol, L-arabinitol, DL-arabinitol, ribitol, D-iditol, L -From among iditol, dulcitol, boremitol, persitol, inositol, (+)-prot0-quercitol, (-)-vivo-quercitol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, allitol, D-talitol, L-talitol, DL-talitol It is preferable that it is comprised by the selected 1 or more types of substance. In the present invention, at least erythritol or mannitol is preferably used as the latent heat storage material, and at least erythritol is particularly preferably used as the latent heat storage material.

  Erythritol is extremely suitable when powdered tobacco leaves are used as a flavor source. Specifically, when erythritol is used as a latent heat storage material, flavor components in tobacco leaves can be volatilized efficiently, and the volatilization amount of flavor components in tobacco leaves is maintained stably over a long period of time. be able to.

  The content of the latent heat storage material is preferably 300 mg or more and 600 mg or less. When the content of the latent heat storage material is 300 mg or more, the temperature at which a sufficient amount of the flavor component is volatilized is maintained for a certain time or more. When the content of the latent heat storage material is 600 mg or less, an increase in the size of the heat source 50 is suppressed.

  In the first embodiment, the heat source 50 preferably includes a mixture of a latent heat storage material and a holding material that holds the latent heat storage material. Specifically, the holding material is preferably a material that can hold the latent heat storage material inside the heat source 50 even when the latent heat storage material reaches the melting point and is liquefied. In the present invention, the holding material constituting the heat source 50 is preferably a compound having a multilayer structure, and vermiculite is particularly preferable as the compound having a multilayer structure.

  By using vermiculite as the holding material, excessive heat dissipation per unit time to the outside of the heat source 50 is suppressed, and heat is gradually released. As a result, the temperature at which a sufficient amount of flavor components is volatilized is maintained for a certain period of time.

  Further, when vermiculite is used as the holding material, the content of the holding material is preferably 100% by weight or more and 200% by weight or less with respect to the latent heat storage material.

  When the weight percentage of vermiculite with respect to the latent heat storage material is 100% or more, a sufficient amount of the latent heat storage material can be held by the holding material. Therefore, even when the latent heat storage material is heated and liquefied, the heat source The outflow of the latent heat storage material from 50 is suppressed. When the weight percentage of vermiculite with respect to the latent heat storage material is 200% or less, it is possible to suppress the amount of heat released by the latent heat storage material when liquefied from being excessively taken away by the vermiculite.

  It is preferable from the viewpoint of the moldability of the heat source 50 that the heat source 50 further includes a binder in addition to the latent heat storage material and the holding material. The binder is not particularly limited, and any known binder can be suitably used, but hydroxypropylcellulose can be particularly suitably used.

  The manufacturing method of the heat source 50 is not particularly limited, and any known manufacturing method can be suitably used, but the heat source 50 can be simply configured by manufacturing the heat source 50 by tableting or extrusion. Is more preferable. By using the above-described tableting molding or extrusion molding, the heat source 50 can be configured without using a pressure-resistant airtight container for filling the latent heat storage material, and the heat source 50 can be reduced in size and weight. Become. The heat source 50 may contain other materials as long as the effects of the present invention are not hindered.

  Moreover, you may coat | cover the outer periphery of the heat source 50 comprised by the above-mentioned tableting molding or extrusion molding with conductive heat-transfer members, such as metal foil, such as aluminum. As a result, the heat source 50 can be heated in a short time.

  In the first embodiment, the heat source 50 is heated using a heating device provided separately from the non-combustion flavor inhaler 100 until the latent heat storage material is melted. Thereby, the latent heat of the latent heat storage material can be used.

  Here, by heating the heat source 50 using a heating device provided separately from the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 100, by removing the heated heat source 50 from the heating device and attaching it to the holding member 30, The heat energy held in the heat source 50 can be transmitted to the flavor source 32.

  In the first embodiment, the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 and the heating device may be provided integrally. However, the size of the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 and the portability of the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 are considered. Therefore, it is preferable that the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 and the heating device are separate.

  In the first embodiment, the heat source 50 has a groove 52. The groove part 52 is provided along the outer periphery of the heat source 50, and is a part where the lock mechanism of the heating device is locked when the heat source 50 is heated by a heating device described later.

(Heating device)
Hereinafter, the heating apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. 5-7 is a figure which shows the heating apparatus 200 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the heating device 200. FIG. 6 is a side view of the heating device 200. FIG. 7 is a top view of the housing portion 210.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the heating device 200 includes a housing part 210, a switch 220, a circuit board 230, and a battery 240.

  The accommodating part 210 accommodates the heat source 50. Specifically, the accommodating part 210 has a bottom surface 210A and an inner wall surface 210B standing from the bottom surface 210A. The bottom surface 210 </ b> A and the inner wall surface 210 </ b> B constitute a cavity for accommodating the heat source 50. The cavity formed by the bottom surface 210A and the inner wall surface 210B has substantially the same shape as the non-insertion end portion 50A of the heat source 50. In a state where the heat source 50 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 210, the non-insertion end portion 50A of the heat source 50 is disposed on the bottom surface 210A.

  Here, in a state where the heat source 50 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 210, it is preferable that the end portion (that is, the insertion end portion 50B) of the heat source 50 located on the side opposite to the bottom surface 210A is separated from the inner wall surface 210B. . In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the length of the inner wall surface 210B in the direction perpendicular to the bottom surface 210A is smaller than the length of the heat source 50 from the non-insertion end 50A toward the insertion end 50B. That is, in a state where the heat source 50 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 210, the insertion end portion 50B of the heat source 50 is exposed from the inner wall surface 210B. Accordingly, since the insertion end portion 50B is separated from the inner wall surface 210B, the heat source 50 accommodated in the accommodation portion 210 can be easily attached to the holding member 30.

  Further, the insertion end 50B has a shape in which the outer shape of the insertion end 50B is small toward the tip of the insertion end 50B. This makes it easy to insert the heat source 50 accommodated in the accommodating portion 210 into the holding member 30.

  Note that the outer diameter of the insertion end 50 </ b> B of the heat source 50 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the housing part 210. Thereby, even when the length of the inner wall surface 210B in the direction perpendicular to the bottom surface 210A is equal to or longer than the length of the heat source 50 from the non-insertion end portion 50A toward the insertion end portion 50B, the insertion end portion 50B is separated from the inner wall surface 210B. . Here, the distance at which the insertion end 50B is separated from the inner wall surface 210B is preferably equal to or greater than the thickness of the holding member 30 (the difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter).

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the heating device 200 includes a heating unit 211, a bimetal 212, contacts 213 (contacts 213 </ b> A and 213 </ b> B), and a pressing spring 214.

  The heating unit 211 is configured by a heater such as a heating wire. In the first embodiment, the heating unit 211 is disposed along the inner wall surface 210 </ b> B of the housing unit 210.

  The bimetal 212 is composed of two or more kinds of metals having different coefficients of thermal expansion. Since it is known that the deformation temperature of the bimetal 212 can be appropriately adjusted depending on the metal composition ratio and the like, the present invention is configured to be deformed with a predetermined temperature, that is, the melting point of the latent heat storage material as a boundary. In the first embodiment, the bimetal 212 is disposed on the bottom surface 210 </ b> A of the housing portion 210 so as to be in direct contact with the heat source 50. When the temperature of the heat source 50 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the bimetal 212 is deformed into an arch shape with the heat source 50 facing upward. That is, the bimetal 212 constitutes a slide mechanism that slides the heat source 50 along the inner wall surface 210B of the housing portion 210 when the temperature of the heat source 50 exceeds a predetermined temperature. On the other hand, the bimetal 212 is deformed from an arch shape to a flat plate shape when the temperature of the heat source 50 falls below a predetermined temperature.

  The contact 213 is a contact for switching whether to supply the electric power of the battery 240 to the heating unit 211. Specifically, when the contact point 213 </ b> A and the contact point 213 </ b> B are in contact, the power of the battery 240 is supplied to the heating unit 211. On the other hand, when the contact 213A and the contact 213B are not in contact, the power of the battery 240 is not supplied to the heating unit 211.

  In the first embodiment, the contact 213A is joined to the bimetal 212. When the bimetal 212 is deformed into an arch shape, the contact 213A is separated from the contact 213B as the bimetal 212 is deformed. On the other hand, when the bimetal 212 has a flat plate shape, the contact 213A comes into contact with the contact 213B.

  The pressing spring 214 presses the side wall (here, the groove portion 52) of the heat source 50 in accordance with the insertion of the heat source 50 into the housing portion 210. As will be described later, the pressing spring 214 releases the locked state in which the heat source 50 is pressed when the bimetal 212 is deformed into an arch shape.

  In the first embodiment, the bimetal 212 and the holding spring 214 constitute a lock mechanism that locks the heat source 50 in the housing portion 210. As described above, the bimetal 212 is disposed so as to be in contact with the heat source 50. When the temperature of the heat source 50 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the bimetal 212 is deformed into an arch shape with the heat source 50 facing upward. Along with this, the locked state in which the heat source 50 is pressed by the pressing spring 214 is released. That is, the lock mechanism constituted by the bimetal 212 and the holding spring 214 releases the locked state of the heat source 50 when the temperature of the heat source 50 exceeds a predetermined temperature.

  The switch 220 is a switch for starting heating of the heat source 50. The switch 220 is connected to the circuit board 230. For example, the heating of the heat source 50 is started by pressing the switch 220.

  The circuit board 230 has a control circuit for controlling the heating device 200. For example, the circuit board 230 starts supplying the power of the battery 240 to the heating unit 211 when the switch 220 is detected to be pressed.

  However, in the first embodiment, when the bimetal 212 is deformed into an arch shape, the contact between the contact 213A and the contact 213B is released. Therefore, it should be noted that the circuit board 230 does not need to control the stop of the power supply of the battery 240 to the heating unit 211.

  Note that, when the bimetal 212 is deformed into an arch shape, the circuit board 230 may stop supplying the power of the battery 240 to the heating unit 211 regardless of the contact state of the contact 213A and the contact 213B. Thereby, unnecessary reheating of the heat source 50 is suppressed.

  The battery 240 stores electric power for driving the heating device 200. For example, the electric power stored in the battery 240 is supplied to the heating unit 211 and the circuit board 230.

(Lock mechanism)
Hereinafter, the lock mechanism according to the first embodiment will be described. 8-10 is a figure for demonstrating the locking mechanism which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 8 to 10 show an AA cross section and a BB cross section of the accommodating portion 210 shown in FIG. As described above, the locking mechanism that locks the heat source 50 in the housing portion 210 is configured by the bimetal 212 and the pressing spring 214.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the state where the heat source 50 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 210, the temperature of the heat source 50 is lower than a predetermined temperature (that is, the melting point of the latent heat storage material), and thus the bimetal 212 has a flat plate shape. As shown in the AA cross section, since the bimetal 212 has a flat plate shape, the contact point 213A and the contact point 213B are in contact with each other. As shown in the BB cross section, the bimetal 212 has a flat plate shape, and the heat source 50 accommodated in the accommodating portion 210 is locked by the pressing spring 214.

  Specifically, the holding spring 214 has an arm 214A and an arm 214B, and the arm 214A and the arm 214B rotate about the fulcrum 214X. The tip of the arm 214A is attached to the bimetal 212, and the arm 214B has an urging force in a direction (P direction) approaching the side surface of the heat source 50 with the fulcrum 214X as a center. As a result, the tip of the arm 214 </ b> B is locked in the groove portion 52, and the heat source 50 is locked in the housing portion 210. The tip of the arm 214B preferably has a circular shape in the BB cross section so as not to damage the side surface of the heat source 50. The tip of the arm 214B may be spherical.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the heat source 50 is heated by the heating unit 211 and the temperature of the heat source 50 exceeds a predetermined temperature (that is, the melting point of the latent heat storage material), the bimetal 212 is deformed from a flat plate shape to an arch shape, The heat source 50 slides along the inner wall surface 210 </ b> B of the housing part 210. As shown in the AA cross section, since the bimetal 212 is deformed into an arch shape, the contact 213B is separated from the contact 213A, and the heating of the heat source 50 by the heating unit 211 is stopped. Here, as described above, the circuit board 230 preferably stops the supply of power from the battery 240 to the heating unit 211. As shown in the B-B cross section, the bimetal 212 is deformed into an arch shape, and the tip of the arm 214A is attached to the bimetal 212. Therefore, as the bimetal 212 is deformed, the arm 214B has a heat source centered on the fulcrum 214X. An attempt is made to rotate in the direction away from the side surface of the 50 (Q direction). That is, with respect to the urging force in the direction approaching the side surface of the heat source 50 (P direction), the force generated by the deformation of the bimetal 212 (the force that the heat source 50 tries to slide upward and the arm 214B tends to move away in the Q direction). Therefore, the locked state in which the tip of the arm 214B of the presser spring 214 is engaged with the groove 52 of the heat source 50 is released. Here, from the viewpoint of facilitating the release of the locked state, the tip of the arm 214A is attached to a portion of the bimetal 212 having the largest deformation amount (for example, the top portion of the arch shown in the AA cross section of FIG. 9). It is preferred that Further, the locked state may be released only by the force with which the arm 214B tries to rotate about the fulcrum 214X in the direction away from the side surface of the heat source 50 (Q direction).

  9, the tip of the arm 214B is separated from the side surface of the heat source 50, but the tip of the arm 214B may be in contact with the side surface of the heat source 50 by the biasing force of the arm 214B. . As described above, since the tip of the arm 214B has a circular shape in the BB cross section, even if the tip of the arm 214B slides on the side surface of the heat source 50, the side surface of the heat source 50 including the groove portion 52 is hardly damaged. It should be noted.

  Further, in order to properly release the locked state, the deformation amount of the bimetal 212 is determined according to the length that the tip of the arm 214B enters the groove 52 and the shape of the holding spring 214. That is, in the first embodiment, the amount of deformation of the bimetal 212 is such that the tip of the arm 214B enters the groove 52, the length of the arm 214A, the length of the arm 214B, the angle formed by the arms 214A and 214B, etc. Determined by. However, the shape of the holding spring 214 is not limited to the V-shape formed by two arms, and may be a U-shape formed by three arms.

  As shown in FIG. 10, as the heating unit 211 stops heating the heat source 50, the temperature of the heat source 50 falls below a predetermined temperature (that is, the melting point of the latent heat storage material), and the bimetal 212 is deformed from an arch shape to a flat plate shape. To do. As shown in the AA cross section, the bimetal 212 is deformed into a flat plate shape, so that the contact point 213B is in contact with the contact point 213A. As described above, when the bimetal 212 is deformed into an arch shape, if the circuit board 230 stops supplying the power of the battery 240 to the heating unit 211, unnecessary reheating of the heat source 50 is suppressed. As shown in the BB cross section, the bimetal 212 is deformed into a flat plate shape. In such a case, the heat source 50 accommodated in the accommodating portion 210 is slid upward, and by the urging force of the arm 214B (that is, the direction approaching the side surface of the heat source 50 (the urging force in the P direction), It is preferable to be held by the inner wall surface 210B of the housing part 210. Here, the force for holding the heat source 50 on the inner wall surface 210B of the housing part 210 in the unlocked state (sliding upward) is the bimetal 212. Is preferably smaller than the force that pushes up the heat source 50 due to the deformation of the heat source 50, and larger than the force that causes the heat source 50 to fall due to the weight of the heat source 50. Such a configuration is, for example, the spring strength of the presser spring 214 in the unlocked state ( This can be realized by appropriately adjusting the urging force described above, whereby the heat source 50 is connected to the holding member 30. It can be taken out easily from the housing portion 210 in the inserted state.

  Further, the tip of the arm 214B may be configured by a member (for example, rubber) having a larger coefficient of friction than the other part of the arm 214B. Alternatively, the tip of the arm 214B may be covered with a member (for example, rubber) having a larger friction coefficient than the other part of the arm 214B. As a result, even if the spring strength of the holding spring 214 (the urging force described above) is weak, the heat source 50 can be held on the inner wall surface 210B of the housing portion 210 in the unlocked state (sliding upward). . Furthermore, it should be noted that if the tip of the arm 214B is made of a soft member such as rubber, or if the tip of the arm 214B is covered with a soft member such as rubber, the side surface of the heat source 50 is hardly damaged. It is.

(Function and effect)
In the first embodiment, since the heat source 50 provided separately from the holding member 30 contains sugar alcohol as a latent heat storage material, it almost smells even when heated to about the melting point compared to a latent heat storage material such as sodium acetate. Therefore, the flavor is not impaired and the flavor can be improved.

  In the first embodiment, since the latent heat storage material is a sugar alcohol having 4 or more carbon atoms, relatively high latent heat can be obtained. Accordingly, a relatively high temperature can be transmitted from the heat source 50 to the flavor source.

  In the first embodiment, the heat source 50 is configured by a mixture of a latent heat storage material and a holding material. Therefore, the weight of the heat source 50 can be reduced and the heat source 50 can be reduced in size compared to a case using a heat-resistant and pressure-resistant sealed container that houses the latent heat storage material.

  In the first embodiment, the lock mechanism (the bimetal 212 and the pressing spring 214) releases the locked state of the heat source 50 when the temperature of the heat source 50 exceeds a predetermined temperature. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the heat source 50 from falling off when the heat source 50 is heated, and to easily take out the heat source 50 after the heating of the heat source 50 is completed.

  In the first embodiment, the heating unit 211 stops heating the heat source 50 when the temperature of the heat source 50 exceeds a predetermined temperature. Therefore, when the heat source 50 has a latent heat storage material, the subcooling phenomenon of the latent heat storage material can be suppressed.

  In the first embodiment, the bimetal 212 is disposed so as to be in direct contact with the heat source 50, and the locked state of the heat source 50 is released by the deformation of the bimetal 212. Therefore, the locked state of the heat source 50 is released at an appropriate timing.

  In the first embodiment, the bimetal 212 is disposed so as to be in direct contact with the heat source 50, and the heating of the heat source 50 is stopped by the deformation of the bimetal 212. Therefore, heating of the heat source 50 can be stopped at an appropriate timing at which the subcooling phenomenon of the latent heat storage material does not occur.

  In the first embodiment, the bimetal 212 is disposed so as to be in direct contact with the heat source 50, and the heat source 50 slides due to the deformation of the bimetal 212. Therefore, it is easy to attach the heat source 50 to the holding member 30 after the heat source 50 is heated.

[Modification 1]
Hereinafter, Modification Example 1 of the first embodiment will be described. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the first modification, the holding member 30 has a side hole 30H communicating with the cavity 31, as shown in FIG. The side hole 30H extends along a direction that intersects the direction from the support end 30A toward the inlet side end 30B. The side hole 30 </ b> H is provided in the support end 30 </ b> A, and is preferably provided adjacent to the flavor source 32.

  The holding member 30 includes a rectifying member 33 in addition to the flavor source 32. For example, the flavor source 32 is formed by laminating a breathable member such as a non-woven fabric and powdered tobacco leaves, and forming a sheet shape by heat welding in a disk shape (thin columnar shape). The rectifying member 33 is provided on the mouth end side 30 </ b> B side with respect to the flavor source 32. The rectifying member 33 has a through-hole extending along the direction from the support end 30A toward the inlet side end 30B. The rectifying member 33 is formed of a member that does not have air permeability.

  When the inhaler sucks the flavor, the air sucked from the side hole 30H is guided to the mouth end side end 30B through the flavor source 32 as shown in FIG. The air guided through the flavor source 32 to the inlet side end 30B side is guided through the through hole of the rectifying member 33 to the inlet side end 30B. Therefore, when the aspirator sucks the flavor, the heat source 50 passes through the flavor source 32 even if the heat source 50 does not have a breathable structure such as a through-hole communicating with the mouth end 30B. Since the air flow led to the mouth end 30B can be formed, the entire surface of the flavor source 32 in contact with the heat source 50 can be efficiently heated. Further, since the rectifying member 33 formed by a member that does not have air permeability is provided, when the aspirator sucks the flavor, the rectifying member 33 causes the air to pass through the central portion inside the flavor source 32. Is controlled, and sufficient flavor can be imparted to the air passing through the flavor source 32.

[Modification 2]
Hereinafter, Modification Example 2 of the first embodiment will be described. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the second modification, the holding member 30 has a side hole 30H communicating with the cavity 31, as shown in FIG. The configuration of the side hole 30H is the same as that of the first modification.

  In the modified example 2, the flavor source 32 is formed by laminating a breathable member such as a non-woven fabric and powdered tobacco leaves, and molding the sheet into a sheet shape by heat welding. It is arranged in a cylindrical shape having an opening. Moreover, it is good also as a cylindrical extrusion molding which has an opening in an axial direction and has air permeability inside.

  When the inhaler sucks the flavor, the air sucked from the side hole 30H is guided to the mouth end side 30B side through the flavor source 32 as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the aspirator sucks the flavor, the heat source 50 passes through the flavor source 32 even if the heat source 50 does not have a breathable structure such as a through-hole communicating with the mouth end 30B. An air flow guided to the suction side end 30B can be formed. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13, since the area of the flavor source 32 in contact with the heat source 50 is large, it can be efficiently heated.

[Modification 3]
Hereinafter, Modification 3 of the first embodiment will be described. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the first embodiment, the tip of the arm 214A is attached to the bimetal 212, and the arm 214B has an urging force in a direction (P direction) approaching the side surface of the heat source 50 with the fulcrum 214X as a center.

  On the other hand, in the third modification, the tip of the arm 214A is disposed below the bimetal 212, and the arm 214B has no particular urging force. However, the arm 214B may have some urging force in a direction (P direction) approaching the side surface of the heat source 50 around the fulcrum 214X.

  First, as shown in FIG. 8 described above, the bimetal 212 has a flat plate shape in a state where the heat source 50 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 210. In this state, since the tip of the arm 214A is pressed by the bimetal 212, the holding spring 214 rotates in a direction approaching the side surface of the heat source 50 (P direction), and the tip of the arm 214B is engaged with the groove portion 52 of the heat source 50. Stopped. As a result, the heat source 50 is locked in the housing portion 210. The angle formed by the arm 214A and the arm 214B is determined so that the tip of the arm 214B is locked to the groove 52 of the heat source 50 in such a state.

  Second, as shown in FIG. 9 described above, when the heat source 50 is heated by the heating unit 211 and the temperature of the heat source 50 exceeds a predetermined temperature (that is, the melting point of the latent heat storage material), the bimetal 212 has a plate shape. Deforms into an arch shape. In such a case, the tip of the arm 214A can freely move in the space generated by the deformation of the bimetal 212. In other words, since the restriction of the holding spring 214 is released along with the deformation of the bimetal 212, the holding spring 214 can be rotated in the direction away from the side surface of the heat source 50 (Q direction). That is, with the deformation of the bimetal 212, the heat source 50 slides in the direction along the inner wall surface 210B of the housing portion 210, and the state where the tip of the arm 214B is locked to the groove portion 52 of the heat source 50 is released.

  Third, as shown in FIG. 10 described above, when the temperature of the heat source 50 falls below a predetermined temperature (that is, the melting point of the latent heat storage material) as the heating unit 211 stops heating the heat source 50, the bimetal 212 is Deform from arch shape to flat plate shape.

  Here, in the third modification, since the arm 214B does not have a biasing force in the P direction, the tip of the arm 214B may not be in contact with the side surface of the heat source 50. 50 is not retained. However, in the third modification, the heat source 50 is held in the housing portion 210 by the frictional force between the side surface of the heat source 50 and the inner wall surface 210B of the housing portion 210. The frictional force between the side surface of the heat source 50 and the inner wall surface 210 </ b> B of the housing portion 210 is preferably smaller than the force that pushes up the heat source 50 due to the deformation of the bimetal 212 and larger than the force that causes the heat source 50 to fall due to its own weight.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

Example 1
A predetermined amount of mannitol (latent heat storage material), vermiculite (latent heat storage material), hydroxypropylcellulose and water were kneaded, and the resulting mixture was tableted and compression molded to obtain a pellet-shaped molded body. . The heat source of Example 1 was obtained by drying the obtained molded body. The composition of the obtained heat source is shown below. The heat source of Example 1 was a cylindrical shape having a diameter of 10 mm, and the weight ratio of mannitol to vermiculite was 1: 1.

(Measurement of changes over time when heating the heat source)
The sample according to Example 1 was wrapped in aluminum foil, heated on a hot plate at 250 ° C. until the latent heat storage material was dissolved, then taken out from the hot plate and allowed to stand. Immediately after the start of heating on the hot plate, a thermocouple was brought into contact with the upper surface of the sample to measure a change in temperature with time in the heat source. The obtained profile is shown in FIG. In addition, in order to take out from a hot plate, the thermocouple is temporarily separated (the discontinuous part of the graph in FIG. 14).

(Example 2)
A heat source was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that erythritol was used instead of mannitol, the amount of each material was changed, and the pellet diameter was changed to 8 mm. The composition of the obtained heat source is shown below. The heat source of Example 2 was a cylindrical shape having a diameter of 8 mm, and the weight ratio of erythritol and vermiculite was 1: 1. Further, using the same method as in Example 1, the temperature change with time in the heat source was measured. The obtained profile is shown in FIG.

(Example 3)
After mixing the materials under the same mixing conditions as in Example 2, a heat source having the following composition was obtained using the same method as in Example 2 except that the conditions for tableting molding were appropriately adjusted. The heat source of Example 3 was a cylindrical shape having a diameter of 8 mm, and the weight ratio of erythritol and vermiculite was 1: 1. Further, using the same method as in Example 1, the temperature change with time in the heat source was measured. The obtained profile is shown in FIG.

Example 4
A predetermined amount of erythritol, activated carbon, hydroxypropylcellulose and water were kneaded, and the resulting mixture was tableted to obtain a pellet-shaped molded body. The heat source of Example 4 was obtained by drying the obtained molded body. The composition of the obtained heat source is shown below. The heat source of Example 4 was a cylindrical shape having a diameter of 10 mm, and the weight ratio of erythritol to activated carbon was 3: 1.

  As is clear from FIG. 15 (Example 2) and FIG. 16, even if the weight ratio of the latent heat storage material and the holding member is the same (1: 1), the content of the latent heat storage material is 300 mg or more. In some cases, as compared with the case where the content of the latent heat storage material is 200 mg, the time during which the temperature of the latent heat storage material is maintained can be lengthened.

  In addition, as another knowledge, when the heating temperature of a flavor source is 90 degree | times or more, these inventors can volatilize the flavor component in a tobacco leaf efficiently, when using a tobacco leaf as a flavor source. I know what I can do. In addition to such findings, it can be seen that erythritol is an even better latent heat storage material than mannitol, taking into account the results shown in FIGS. Specifically, FIG. 15 (Example 2) has a narrower temperature range from 90 degrees or more to 90 degrees or less again compared to FIG. 14 (Example 1). Therefore, it can be seen that erythritol can supply a more stable amount of heat to the flavor source than mannitol.

[Other Embodiments]
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above-described embodiments, it should not be understood that the descriptions and drawings constituting a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  In the embodiment, the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 is merely illustrated as an example of the non-burning type flavor inhaler. The configuration of the non-burning type flavor inhaler is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the non-burning type flavor inhaler may have the heat source 50 described above.

  In the embodiment, the case where the heat source 50 is configured by a mixture of a latent heat storage material and a holding material is illustrated. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the heat source 50 may be configured by a latent heat storage material and a heat-resistant and pressure-resistant sealed container that houses the latent heat storage material.

  In the embodiment, the case where the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 has a cylindrical shape is illustrated. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 may have a solid cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the non-burning type flavor inhaler 100 may have a flat plate shape.

  In the embodiment, the holding member 30 has a cylindrical shape. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The holding member 30 should just have the structure which hold | maintains the heat source 50 so that attachment or detachment is possible.

  In the embodiment, the case where vermiculite is used as the holding material constituting the heat source 50 is illustrated. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, activated carbon may be used as the holding material constituting the heat source 50.

  In the embodiment, the heating device 200 is driven by the electric power stored in the battery 240. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the heating device 200 may be driven by electric power supplied from an AC power source.

  In the embodiment, the bimetal 212 is configured to be deformed between a flat plate shape and an arch shape with a predetermined temperature (that is, the melting point of the latent heat storage material) as a boundary. The deformation of the bimetal 212 is not limited to such deformation.

  In the embodiment, the side wall of the heat source 50 is pressed by the holding spring 214 in accordance with the insertion of the heat source 50 into the housing portion 210. However, other configurations may be employed as a pressing member that presses the side wall of the heat source 50 in accordance with the insertion of the heat source 50 into the housing portion 210. In such a case, it is preferable that the pressing member is configured to release the locked state of the heat source 50 as the bimetal 212 is deformed.

  In the embodiment, the lock mechanism is configured by a bimetal 212 and a holding spring 214. However, other mechanisms may be employed as the lock mechanism. For example, the lock mechanism may include a sensor, and may be configured to release the lock state of the heat source 50 when the sensor detects that the temperature of the heat source 50 has reached a predetermined temperature.

  In the embodiment, the slide mechanism is constituted by the bimetal 212. However, other configurations may be employed as the slide mechanism. For example, the slide mechanism has a sensor, and when the sensor detects that the temperature of the heat source 50 has reached a predetermined temperature, the slide mechanism slides the heat source 50 along the inner wall surface 210B of the housing portion 210. Good.

  In the embodiment, the heat source 50 is inserted into the housing part 210 along the vertical direction. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The heat source 50 may be inserted in the housing part 210 along the horizontal direction.

  In the embodiment, the bimetal constituting the lock mechanism and the bimetal constituting the slide mechanism are the same member (bimetal 212). However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The bimetal constituting the locking mechanism and the bimetal constituting the slide mechanism may be separate members.

  In the embodiment, the heating device 200 heats the heat source 50 including a mixture of the latent heat storage material and the holding material. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. As long as the heating device 200 is a non-combustion type flavor inhaler having a cylindrical holding member and a heat source provided so that at least part of the heating device protrudes from the holding member, the heating device 200 is preferably applied regardless of the type of the heat source. For example, the heat source may be a carbon heat source or a tobacco molded body. Of course, it is preferable to provide the heat source with a groove for engaging the holding spring 214 of the heating device 200 as described above, regardless of the type of the heat source.

  The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-47285 (filed on March 8, 2013) and Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-47286 (filed on March 8, 2013) are incorporated herein by reference. Built in.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the non-combustion type flavor suction device which makes it possible to improve a flavor can be provided.

Claims (5)

A non-burning type flavor inhaler comprising: a heat source for supplying heat energy to a flavor source; and a holding member that detachably holds the heat source,
The non-burning type flavor inhaler, wherein the heat source includes a latent heat storage material containing a sugar alcohol having 4 or more carbon atoms.   The non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the heat source includes a mixture of the latent heat storage material and a holding material for holding the latent heat storage material.   The non-combustion flavor inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the content of the latent heat storage material is 300 mg or more and 600 mg or less.   The non-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 2, wherein the holding material is vermiculite.   The non-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 4, wherein the content of the vermiculite is 100% by weight or more and 200% by weight or less with respect to the latent heat storage material.

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